Tag: Halakha

The United Nations declared 2013 the 'International Year of Quinoa,' bringing this ancient South American seed into the mainstream, but it also sparked a complex debate within Jewish law: is quinoa considered kitniyot? This culinary and legal question has divided rabbinic authorities, with different rulings based on varying interpretations of the historical prohibition.

According to Jewish tradition, the nine days leading up to Tisha B'Av are a solemn time of national mourning, during which observant Jews refrain from eating meat or poultry. So, can you eat chicken during 9 days? The general rule is no, as chicken is considered meat in this context, but specific customs and exemptions may apply, depending on the circumstances and individual health needs.

According to the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, it is the Jewish faith that follows a kosher diet, adhering to a comprehensive set of dietary laws known as *kashrut*. While the practice is a foundational aspect of Jewish life for many, the level of observance varies widely among different Jewish communities and individuals.

According to one interpretation of Jewish law, any intimate physical contact, including kissing, between unmarried individuals is prohibited. However, the rules surrounding affectionate touch vary significantly based on the relationship and level of religious observance, raising the question of whether kisses are kosher in Judaism.

While fermented foods like pickles and sauerkraut are staples in some Jewish culinary traditions, the question often arises: **Do Jews drink kefir?** The answer, like with many dietary inquiries under Jewish law (halakha), depends entirely on the product's kosher certification.